Sudden Origins

Fossils, Genes, and the Emergence of Species

WILEY"Fascinating."-NatureFinally a compelling answer to the question that has plagued scientists for centuries . . ."A detailed and informative historical account."-Nature"This is an intriguing and significant work."-Library Journal"A provocative new theory to explain how species arise."-Scientific American"A worthwhile attempt at bridging the new developments in how species may change and the evidence for the patterns of those changes."-American ScientistDarwin may have argued that new species emerge through a slow, gradual accumulation of tiny mutations, but the fossil record reveals a very different scenario-the sudden emergence of whole new species, with no apparent immediate ancestors.In this provocative and timely book, Jeffrey Schwartz presents a groundbreaking and radical new theory that explains exactly how evolution works. Turning to the marvels of genetics, paleontology, embryology, and anatomy, and introducing the recent discovery of an extraordinary type of gene, known as homeobox genes, Schwartz provides an evocative answer to the long-standing question: How do species emerge?Writing with the expert knowledge only an insider can bring, Schwartz tells the intriguing history of the study of evolution, from the initial breakthrough discoveries to the famous Piltdown controversy up through the genetics revolution. Sudden Origins is a monumental book that ties together all the threads of evolutionary theory while providing a compelling answer to one of life's most enduring conundrums. This book is crucial reading for anyone who has ever pondered the mysteries of our evolutionary heritage.

Baker & TaylorLeading paleoanthropologist Jeffrey Schwartz presents a groundbreaking and radical new theory of evolution with the recent discovery of a new gene, known as a homeobox gene

Book NewsThough the media supplies the general public with an inkling that thinking about evolution is undergoing some radical changes, there's little depth to the reporting. Here, Schwartz (anthropology, U. of Pittsburgh) presents a new theory to account for the sudden emergence of whole new species, which is evidenced by the fossil record but unexplained by Darwin's theories. Central to the new theory is the recent discovery of a special kind of gene known as homeobox genes. This presentation is for the serious non-specialist ready to delve into the history of ideas about evolution as well as the technical complexities of the subject and the implications of the new ideas. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Baker & TaylorTaking Darwin's theory one step further into the realm of "how," the author reveals the existence of a "homeobox gene," which determines whether an embryo develops into a fly or an elephant.